My legs wrap around his hips, clutching him to me the only way I can.
Needing more.
Wanting everything.
Our bodies are so close, my nipples graze his smooth chest with each movement. His arm wraps around my back, holding me to him as he worships my body with his mouth. Licking up my neck while his thumb brushes over my nipple, causing a tight string to pull straight down to my core.
I throw my head back on a pleading moan, then turn my mouth to meet his. His tongue, hot and ready, tangles with mine. As he begins thrusting harder, I pant against his hot skin, and dots of light dance before my eyes.
My orgasm washes over me with an intensity that steals my breath and sears my soul just as Max whispers my name in the dark and spills inside of me. We cling to each other, breathing hard, but not willing to let go.
Max lays us down and pulls the blanket up over us. “My God, Daphne.”
I tuck my head under his and rest my hand over his heart. “Why do you call me that? No one else does.”
“Are you familiar with Greek mythology?” He runs his hand down my back, tracing my spine, and I shiver and shake my head. “In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of the sun, one of the most powerful gods. Daphne was a nymph, one he fell for, utterly and completely. She was the most beautiful thing he ever saw. Ultimately, she was his downfall too. But hopefully, that won’t be the case with us.” He presses his lips to my head. “Now sleep, my siren.”
“I won’t be your downfall, Max. Please don’t be mine.” The words are quiet but still a powerful admission.
“I promise.”
* * *
Early the next morning, I slip into Dixon’s house as quietly as possible, needing to get changed before I go to work and hoping I don’t wake anyone in the process. But it doesn’t matter how quiet I am because Dixon’s tying his shoelace in the foyer when I walk in. “Late night?” He pops an earbud in but holds the other in his hand.
Fan-freaking-tastic. “Umm, yeah. I guess so. You going for a run?”
“Yeah.” He pops his other ear bud in and passes me.
I decide now’s as good a time as any to woman up. “Dix, wait.” I grab his arm until he turns around. “Are we okay? I feel like things are weird between us, and I’m not sure what to do about it.” I can’t stand the thought of losing his friendship. But I can’t change the way I feel about Max.
He blows out a breath and takes out both earbuds. “Are you happy, D? Is Max Kingston who you want?”
“I am happy, Dix. I wasn’t expecting to fall for him, but I have. And I don’t think there’s any going back now.” I laugh, hoping to lighten the mood, but the attempt falls flat.
He moves like he’s going to touch my face but drops his hand at the last minute. “If he hurts you, you tell me, and I’ll deal with him. Okay?” His voice is strained and quiet, so unlike the man I’ve known for years, and I hate that I’m hurting him.
“I’m a big girl, Dixon. I can handle it.” I take a step toward him, but he backs up and shakes free of my hold. “That’s life. We take the good with the bad, right?”
He takes another step back. “You don’t deserve any of the bad, D.” He puts his earbuds back in and walks out the front door.”
Neither do you, Dix. Neither do you.